East Devon District Council Secures £4m Government Funding to Tackle River Axe Pollution and Facilitate Housing

East Devon District Council is set to receive £4 million in government funding, designated to address pollution and enhance water quality in the River Axe. The council indicated that these funds would also support plans for the construction of 1,000 new homes in the vicinity over the coming 15 years. According to the authority, various elements, such as agricultural run-off and newly constructed residences in the area, have contributed to the river’s pollution. The council stated that the funding would be allocated to “upgrade sewage treatment plants and septic tanks, as well as measures to prevent flooding.” Additionally, “wetlands will also be constructed and water saving measures on council homes will be introduced.” Councillor Paul Arnott, the council leader, commented that “it will help us to unlock much needed new homes in Axminster” and “it will help us to act on our recent Declaration of a Nature Emergency.” He further added, “The River Axe is of national importance for its biodiversity but has been in a very poor condition due to the phosphates that have been pouring into its waterway and harming the wildlife it supports. This funding will help us to address this urgent situation, enable delivery of the local plan and start to clean up one of East Devon’s most important rivers for wildlife.”” Councillor Todd Olive, who holds the portfolio for Strategic Planning at the council, stated: “Nutrient pollution is an urgent and complex problem across England, where increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorous from a variety of sources – including both homes and agriculture – can have serious consequences for natural habitats and wildlife. While helpful in unlocking housebuilding projects currently blocked due to this pollution, first and foremost this funding will help protect our natural world, which is so crucial to East Devon in so many ways.””